The Northwest Yeshiva High School boys basketball team clinched a berth in the district playoffs for the second straight year on Feb. 12. The Lions (14-7) beat Concordia Christian Academy in an elimination league tournament playoff game, 65-59.

Joe Benoliel led the way with 23 points and 7 rebounds. The senior captain is 14 points shy of 1,000 for his career.

Point guard Evan Kaufthal had 14 points and 12 rebounds. Sophomore shooting guard Sam Weichbrodt, who missed most of the season with a back injury, had 17 points in just 16 minutes, while fellow sophomore Leon Varon had 10 points and 14 rebounds. Senior Sol Levy, the Lions’ top defender, had 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals while shutting down Concordia’s top scorer.

The Lions are the 9-seed in the 1B Tri-District tournament and face the 8-seed, Providence Classical Christian (Bothell), on Feb. 15 in a loser-out game (after press time).

NYHS is hoping to qualify for the state tournament for just the second time in school history. They finished 5th in 2022.

The Lions are coached by former ESPN Anchor Steve Bunin (MIHS class of ‘92).

Joe Benoliel of NYHS vs. Mount Vernon Christian on Jan. 25, 2025.

Sam Weichbrodt of NYHS vs. Mount Vernon Christian on Jan. 25, 2025.

Sol Levy of NYHS vs. Mount Vernon Christian on Jan. 25, 2025.

Leon Varon of NYHS vs. Mount Vernon Christian on Jan. 25, 2025.